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Vehicle Details: Best Cars for Younger Drivers

You don’t have to settle
If you’re looking for a vehicle for younger drivers, there are plenty of excellent models that are not only affordable, but also among the best values in the entire automotive industry.

Honda Fit
The 2016 Honda Fit starts at an MSRP of $15,890, a bargain considering it was named both “Best Subcompact Car for the Money” and “Best Hatchback for the Money” by U.S. News & World Report. A 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine produces 130 horsepower and 114 pounds/foot of torque, and when equipped with the available Continuously Variable Transmission, you can expect up to 33 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. Features like the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ Body Structure, Vehicle Stability Assist and SmartVent® front-side airbags helped the Fit achieve a Five-Star Overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Nobody has yet matched the Fit’s incredible versatility at this price, and placed it atop a chassis that offers a modicum of fun,” notes Car and Driver.

MAZDA3
Available in both sedan and five-door variants, the MAZDA3 has quickly become a favorite of automotive media and consumers alike, and it happens to be the most affordable vehicle to make Car and Driver’s 10Best list, with a starting MSRP of $17,845 for the sedan. There are two fuel-efficient SKYACTIV engines with fuel estimates rated up to 30 mpg city and 41 mpg highway, and a slew of available features that help keep you safe, including a Technology Package that bundles a Lane Departure Warning System, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Forward Obstruction Warning, High Beam Control and Smart City Brake Support. Both the sedan and the five-door have been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

“Anyone who thinks a compact car can’t be stylish, fuel-efficient, value-oriented, technologically advanced and a hoot to drive hasn’t met the Mazda3. Mazda’s small sedan and hatchback are all those things and more,” adds Kelley Blue Book.

Chevrolet Sonic
The Sonic is one of the more popular models in the Chevrolet stable among younger buyers. In fact, according to Chevrolet, it’s the company’s top vehicle for first-time buyers, with over 20 percent of Sonic buyers under age 35. And nearly 30 percent are trading in non-GM vehicles. A new 2017 model is on its way, with the 2016 model already an excellent bargain starting at $14,345.

There are two Ecotec four-cylinder engines that help the Sonic achieve fuel economy of up to 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. And as in all Chevrolet models, the OnStar connectivity suite is available with 4G LTE Wi-Fi so you can stay connected.

“The Sonic is Chevrolet’s entry into the popular subcompact segment. Available as both a sedan and a hatchback, it offers a refined cabin and surprisingly good driving dynamics,” says Left Lane News.

Kia Soul
The Soul starts at an MSRP of $15,900 and is a great vehicle if you’re looking to stand out, having recently been named one of the “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000,” according to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, on top of its spot on the “Best Compact Car for Families” list from U.S. News & World Report. It was also a winner at the 12th annual Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year.

The Soul is available in three trim levels (Base, + and !), and power comes from either a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine or a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 164 horsepower and up to 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. All Soul models come standard with a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, among the best in the industry.

“Proving once and for all that it’s hip to be square, the Kia Soul stands out from other compacts with a unique look that manages to be both boxy and extremely funky. The affordably priced, hamster-endorsed hatchback also delivers a roomy cabin, ample standard features and numerous optional extras, making it an appealing blend of style and substance,” says Left Lane News.

There are plenty of great choices available for young drivers, but when you’re looking for financing, the best option is to stop by and see us.

Used with Permission. Published by IMN Bank Adviser Includes copyrighted material of IMakeNews, Inc. and its suppliers.